Iran warns Gulf States of retaliation over possible U.S. strikes
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Iran warned Gulf countries that any new U.S. military strikes on its territory would trigger retaliatory attacks against energy infrastructure and strategic facilities across the region, according to multiple sources cited by Reuters, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to simmer despite renewed diplomatic efforts.
The warning came after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened on July 28 to target Iran’s energy network and infrastructure. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi held a series of high-level talks with officials from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey and Pakistan, urging regional powers to pressure Washington to avoid further military action.
According to Reuters, Araqchi warned that any attack on Iran would prompt retaliation against U.S. assets and energy facilities in the Gulf, while emphasizing that diplomacy remained the best path to avoid a broader regional conflict.
“The Iranian warning was unequivocal: if America targeted Iran’s infrastructure, they would retaliate by striking Gulf energy facilities and other regional targets,” one Gulf source told Reuters.
The diplomatic push reflects Tehran’s attempt to increase the political and economic costs of any future U.S. action by leveraging concerns over the vulnerability of Gulf energy infrastructure.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman subsequently urged Trump to postpone military action and return to negotiations, according to regional sources. Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia have also called for renewed diplomacy to prevent further escalation.
On Aug. 2, Trump said he had agreed to cancel a planned attack on Iran, provided that rapid progress toward a deal could be achieved.
The latest tensions follow weeks of heightened confrontation between Washington and Tehran. In recent months, Trump has repeatedly threatened military action against Iranian infrastructure, while Iranian officials have warned that any new strikes could “turn the region into a fireball.”
Iran has also reiterated demands for the closure of U.S. military bases in the Gulf and warned neighboring states against sharing intelligence with Washington, underscoring fears that a renewed conflict could disrupt global energy supplies and destabilize the Middle East for years.